Prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers in Nsukka, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among nursing mothers in three hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria. Data was collected using a self-administered Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and sociodemographic form. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression.
Findings
A total of 270 nursing mothers participated in this survey, giving a response rate of 94.4%. The prevalence of PPD among the study group was 20.0%. However, women who did not have complications during childbirth were about two times (AOR = 0.417, 95% CI = 0.204, 0.852, P = 0.016) less likely to develop symptoms of PPD than women who experienced birth complications. In addition, women who had poor relationships with their partners have approximately seven times (AOR = 6.994, 95% CI = 1.110, 44.059, P = 0.038) higher odds of developing PPD compared with those women who had excellent relationships with their partners.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size was small, hence, might limit the generalizability of its findings beyond the study group. Health-care practitioners should provide appropriate interventions to women at a higher risk of developing PPD on the need to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship with their partners.
Originality/value
This study provides unique insight into PPD among nursing mothers and its determinants from a different regional, socioeconomic, societal expectations, social support system, access to health care and cultural context.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate the selfless assistance of Okwy-Nwangwu Chidubem, Onuigbo Irene, Offiajiaku Kenechukwu, Osefo Marycynthia during data collection and data entry. The authors thank all the study participants who voluntarily took part in the study at no cost. The authors would like to appreciate the support received from the management and staff of the University of Nigeria Medical Center, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, and Nsukka Health Center.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Citation
Anosike, C., Osefo, R.C., Isiogugu, N.O., Nwachukwu, E.C., Agu, U.K., Nwaji, J.C. and Ogbu, M.-E.A. (2024), "Prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2023-0138
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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